We Will Remember Them
This morning, I attended the remembrance day service at Wallingford. It is beautifully done. The market square was packed, and RAF Benson, which has the freedom of the town (along with The Rifles) organsied a fly past witha Puma helicopter and two Merlins. As the last post sounded, the clock struck eleven, and as the two minute silence ended, the helicopters flew over. At Wallingford the names of those who gave their lives are read out - 80 in the First War, and half as many again in the Second, plus a soldier killed in Northern Ireland. In addition, they read the names of two Canadian aircrew who flew their stricken aircraft over the town before crashing on the other side of the river. They gave their lives literally for Wallingford.
This afternoon, I attended Didcot’s service, where the Rifles and Royal Logisitics Corps were on parade. For reasons lost in the mists of recent time, Didcot’s service is always at 3pm, and includes the Oxford and Caledonian Pipes and Drums.
Attendance seemed to be high at both events, despite the weather. Wallingford has a close relationship with RAF Benson, who have lost several members in recent months. And there is no doubt that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have made the public keener than ever to pay their respects to the three services.
Votedave said on November 11th, 2007 at 6:17 pm:
“And there is no doubt that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have made the public keener than ever to pay their respects to the three services.”
Absolutely, Ed. There are the Falklands War veterans too. There’s not many WW1 veterans (including 111-year old Henry Aliingham) left - but these newer, ongoing conflicts add a new dimension to Rememberance Sundays will mean these commemorations will continue to go on year after year.
canvas said on November 11th, 2007 at 6:32 pm:
I think war is so pointless. It’s so sad - and I’m glad we remember all those who died for their country.
But would you be willing to die for your Queen or your country? I honestly don’t think I would be. Does that make me a coward - a cowardly woman? What does war ever achieve?
Tizzy said on November 12th, 2007 at 12:29 am:
I have always been moved by Remembrance Day. Tonight, Ian Hislop recounted the story of a chap from Wales who had contracted TB from working in the pits and joined the army during the Great War simply to ensure his family had some pension to live on. During a gas attack, he passed his mask to another, saying he had no need for it as his lungs were already shot. He survived the war but died in his 40’s.
Another joined aged 14, lying about his age, and died in the first advance of the Somme aged 16.
11 November is a bit of a reality check, isn’t it?
Marquee Mark said on November 12th, 2007 at 4:32 pm:
We live in blessed times, where only those who volunteer go to war. But we need to ensure that those who do fight on our behalf are not just remembered for their sacrifice on the second Sunday in November - they need to know they have our material support at all times. Perhaps a worse crime than failing to remember their sacrifice would be to send them off to war without the best equipment we can buy; or failing to provide for those who do not come back whole, in body or mind; or indeed, sending them to war without proper cause.
For that, the tens of thousands of our Armed Forces and the hundreds of thousands of veterans need the support of six hundred-odd Members of Parliament. Those are the true measures of Rememberance. On those measures, this Government appears to Forget. I trust that David Cameron’s Government will do otherwise.
Sue said on November 12th, 2007 at 7:00 pm:
Canvas - you’re not a coward, you’ve just chosen a different path in life. In the same way that I could never be a surgeon, because I hate the sight of blood; could never be a firefighter because fire terrifies me; could never do Ed’s job cos I’m not smart enough, so I could never be a soldier, sailor (scared of the sea) or in the air force. That doesn’t make me a coward, just realistic!!
It’s good that we still make such a big thing of November 11th, and I’m sure that our children will continue and their children after them.
The other day I read out one of the famous poems by Wilfred Owen - “Dulce Et Decorum Est” - to my 11 year old daughter. She was in tears and begging me to stop reading because it was so graphic. I didn’t stop because she needs to know the horrors of war….maybe, just maybe their generation will know peace. But in the meantime, I am so grateful to the bravest of the brave for the courage that they show in doing a job that they volunteer for, and for those men and women who had no choice in the past….I’m grateful for all their sacrifices.